9 Best Multi Tool Bracelets

Have you ever checked out one of those EDC pocket dump sites? They’re pretty cool, and let you see all the neat tools, knives, and gadgets everyone is carrying around all day.

One thing we’ve always noticed is that there are a lot of cool wearable tools out there. Some of the most interesting are ones shaped as bracelets or watch bands. We thought you’d enjoy seeing a list of the best bracelet multi tools and a rundown on how to pick out a quality original from a potentially terrible fake.

Best Bracelet Multi Tools

Bracelet multi tools aren’t always given the respect they deserve. Let’s face it, there are a lot of ‘tools’ out there that are way too tacticool and cheaply made.

If you’re willing to look a little deeper though there are some really great tools. Leatherman has even gotten into the game with an interesting take on the wearable multi tool.

We put this list together by looking at a few key factors. These were:

• Price
• Quality
• Usefulness
• Design

Overall we found most bracelet multi tools to be reasonably priced but somewhat lacking in usefulness or quality. The really well designed ones were more expensive, but they also provided you with real value and were well made.

Let’s see what we’ve got.

Leatherman Tread Bracelet Multi Tool

Leatherman effectively created the wearable multi tool market with the release of their Tread line of products. It started with the original Leatherman Tread and has since expanded into several versions, including a watch band.

You can also change the tool loadout of your tread with the purchase of additional links. This lets you adjust your Tread to your personal needs or desires. You can remove links as well to better fit your arm.

There are 19 different links total, each with two to three tools. They aren’t all available at all times but you can usually find the one you’re looking for if you’d like to customize your Tread.

The Tread series is built to resemble a tire tread and uses a series of individual links with different tools built in. It’s designed to be worn on the arm and uses a watch style clasp.

The overall build quality of the entire line is top notch. Leatherman’s reputation for excellence is well earned and every part of the various Tread products feels polished and well made.

The usefulness of some of the tools is more debatable. We really like the concept of a bracelet multi tool but honestly aren’t convinced all the tools are successful.

The individual tools certainly function but they’re significantly less effective than even regular multi tool ones. The screwdrivers in particular are extremely short. Even after partially detaching the needed link it was hard to fit the screwdriver into even partially recessed screws.

Given the high cost of the tool, pretty much the same as a Charge TTi, you really have to like the form factor and appearance of it to justify buying it.

Let’s see how the individual models stack up.

Leatherman Tread Original

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The original Tread was released in 2015 to a very favorable response. It’s a really cool looking tool and gave EDC guys a chance to accessorize in ways not really possible before. It’s a big bracelet, coming in at 1.2 inches wide and weighing a full 6 ounces. For this though you get 29 different tools, including:

• #1-2 Phillips Head
• #1 Phillips Head
• #2 Phillips Head
• Oxygen Tank Wrench
• 3/32″ Screwdriver
• 1/8″ Flathead Screwdriver
• 1/4” Flathead Screwdriver
• 3/16″ Screwdriver
• 5/16″ Screwdriver
• 3mm Hex Driver
• 4mm Hex Driver
• 5mm Hex Driver
• 6mm Hex Driver
• 1/8″ Hex Driver
• 3/32″ Hex Driver
• 3/16″ Hex Driver
• 1/4″ Hex Driver
• #2 Square Driver
• 6mm Box Wrench
• 8mm Box Wrench
• 10mm Box Wrench
• 1/4″ Box Wrench
• 3/8″ Box Wrench
• 3/16″ Box Wrench
• Carbide Glass Breaker
• Pick/Sim Card Tool
• Cutting Hook
• 1/4″ Socket Drive Adapter
• Bottle Opener

That’s a lot of tools to have in a bracelet. The real question is, how do they work?

Leatherman offers several ways you can use the tools on the Tread. For the box wrenches it’s easy to take it off your wrist and slot them in.
The body of the tool does move around a bit in your hand but overall it gave you a pretty good grip.

The bottle opener also is easy to use as it’s built right into the clasp. We’re firmly of the opinion that you can never have too many bottle openers and this only confirms that.

The real issue we have is with the screwdrivers.

Simply put, they’re only marginally useful at the best of times. The geometry of the links just doesn’t allow them to be long enough for real torque. If the screw you want to turn is even a bit recessed you can forget about it.

We’ll give it to Leatherman though, the actual link system is incredibly effective. Unlike a watch band pin link they used hefty flathead screws.

You can disassemble and reassemble your Tread on the go with nothing but a penny. This makes it easy to both adjust the band length and open it up to use the tools. This is even more important given the large size of this tool.

We found it basically impossible to wear the Tread with all the tool attached. Even people with very large hands would likely find it sliding right off.

Overall it’s not the best multi tool out there but it’s innovative design, high-quality workmanship, and mixed bag of tools make it a reasonably good product. It also helps that it looks really sharp when worn.

Leatherman Tread LT

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The Tread LT was designed as a smaller, more manageable version of the original Tread. It’s just .72 inches wide instead of the full 1.2 inches and weighs 5.5 oz. The Tread LT still contains 29 tools, including:

• Pozi-Driv # 1
• Pozi-Driv #2
• 3/16″ Flathead Screwdriver
• 1/8″ Flathead Screwdriver
• 3/32″ Flathead Screwdriver
• 1/4” Flathead Screwdriver
• 5/16″ Flathead Screwdriver
• 6mm Box Wrench
• 7mm Box Wrench
• 8mm Box Wrench
• 10mm Box Wrench
• 3/8″ Box Wrench
• 11mm Box Wrench
• #1-2 Phillips Head
• 3/16″ Hex Driver
• 1/4″ Hex Driver
• 3mm Hex Driver
• 4mm Hex Driver
• 5mm Hex Driver
• 6mm Hex Driver
• #2 Square Driver
• 1/4″ Socket Drive Adapter
• #30 Torx Driver
• Torx #27
• Pick/Sim Card Tool
• Safety Cutter
• Bottle Opener
• Oxygen Tank Wrench
• Carbide Glass Breaker

If you liked the concept of the original Tread but thought it was too large the LT is a great option for you. It has a more slender band but doesn’t sacrifice any of the utility of the full size version.

It uses the same linking system as the Tread. You can easily lengthen or shorten your LT by adding or removing tool links.

It costs the same as the Original Tread and really just has cosmetic changes to its appearance. The tool loadout is marginally different but overall we felt they were equally as valuable.

Leatherman Tread Tempo

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If you’re an old school kind of guy you’re probably wearing a wristwatch right now. If you’re also an EDC enthusiast you might be excited to hear about the Leatherman Tread Tempo. It takes the Tread concept and combines it with a high quality wristwatch. It provides you with 30 different tools, including:

• Pozi-Driv # 1
• Pozi-Driv #2
• 3/32” Flathead Screwdriver
• 1/8″ Flathead Screwdriver
• 1/4” Flathead Screwdriver
• Flathead Screwdriver
• 6mm Box Wrench
• 7mm Box Wrench
• 8mm Box Wrench
• 10mm Box Wrench
• 11mm Box Wrench
• 12mm Box Wrench
• #1-2 Phillips Head
• 3mm Hex Driver
• 4mm Hex Driver
• 5mm Hex Driver
• 6mm Hex Driver
• #1 Square Driver
• #2 Square Driver
• 1/4″ Socket Drive Adapter
• #20 Torx Driver
• #25 Torx Driver
• #27 Torx Driver
• File
• Pick/Sim Card Tool
• Safety Cutter
• Bottle Opener
• Oxygen Tank Wrench
• Carbide Glass Breaker
• Link Tool

There are a few differences between the Tread and Tread Tempo but most tool functions are the same. The clasp on the Tempo is designed to adjust in ⅛” increments for a closer fit overall.

Underneath the Swiss made watch movement there’s a useful little tool with a file, flathead screwdriver, and link tool. This allows you to file down your nails and quickly remove links for use or adjustment.

The only real downside to the Tempo is its high price. It’s generally at least twice the cost of the already pricy Tread.

Leatherman Tread Metric

If you’re a Leatherman enthusiast somewhere other than the US you’ll be excited to know Leatherman offers a metric version of the Tread. This replaces all the US/Imperial wrenches with metric standard ones. It has the same 29 tool count, including:

• Pozi-Driv # 1
• Pozi-Driv #2
• Pozi-Driv #3
• 1/8″ Flathead Screwdriver
• 1/4” Flathead Screwdriver
• 3/32” Screwdriver
• 6mm Box Wrench
• 7mm Box Wrench
• 8mm Box Wrench
• 10mm Box Wrench
• 11mm Box Wrench
• 12mm Box Wrench
• #1-2 Phillips Head
• 3mm Hex Driver
• 4mm Hex Driver
• 5mm Hex Driver
• 6mm Hex Driver
• #1 Square Driver
• #2 Square Driver
• 1/4″ Socket Drive Adapter
• #20 Torx Driver
• #25 Torx Driver
• #27 Torx Driver
• #30 Torx Driver
• Pick/Sim Card Tool
• Safety Cutter
• Bottle Opener
• Oxygen Tank Wrench
• Carbide Glass Breaker

Other than the substitution of metric tools for Imperial sizing it’s pretty much identical to the original Tread. Everything we said about it also applies to the Leatherman Tread Metric

Leatherman Tread Lookalikes

Anything as successful as the Leatherman Tread is bound to be emulated and copied. There are tons of companies out there that have made bracelet multi tools that resemble the Tread.

Some of these are just lookalikes with similar sets of tools. Unfortunately, some of the others are outright fakes and forgeries using the Leatherman logo on their tool.

I’m not going to mention any brands or specific tools here. The reason?

They’re mostly just low quality toys that can’t come close to the quality of an official Leatherman product. Even the best of them aren’t quite as good as the real thing.

Leatherman Tread Fakes

There are an unfortunate number of outright fakes being offered as well. Some of them are the cheap junk you’d expect but a number are actually close to the original in quality.

Telling a fake apart from the real thing can be really difficult. Many are obvious forgeries with very poor quality control, badly made tools, and a cheap finish.

Others though are nearly indistinguishable from the real thing. We compared several examples and had a hard time figuring out which was real and which was fake. The only constant sign we saw was in their price.

Almost all fakes were significantly less expensive than the Leatherman original. If you’re looking on a non-official site or at a third-party seller somewhere like Amazon there’s a good chance any deal too good to be true is a fake product.

We always recommend you stick with official products.

Leatherman makes excellent multi tools that they back with the full weight of their name. Some forger from China or South East Asia doesn’t care about their products past the point of sale.

Paracord Bracelet Multi Tools

If you’ve spent even a little time thinking about your EDC you’ve no doubt heard about paracord bracelets. They’re woven bands of 550 parachute nylon cord that gives you close to 20 feet of usable cordage in an emergency.

Even better, most contain up to seven smaller nylon cords within the main body. This lets you pull them apart for tasks that require binding but not a full 550lbs of strength.

They basically exploded in popularity a few years ago and are still going strong. They’re inexpensive, lightweight, and look pretty cool when worn. Most are available for under $10 and even then you’re getting a bargain.

The original varieties only provided you with the paracord itself and maybe a plastic or metal buckle. Nowadays there is all kinds of additional survival gear packed into them.

WEREWOLVES Paracord Knife Bracelet

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The WEREWOLVES Paracord Knife Bracelet combines about 12 feet of paracord with a 1.3 inch long straight edge knife. It’s built right into the buckle mechanism and honestly looks really cool.

The buckle acts as a sheath for the knife and can be unsnapped to release it. It’s a bit bulky and only comes in one size but is a cool concept well executed. If you’re looking for another way to carry a knife you should check it out.

Holtzman’s Survival Paracord Bracelet

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If you’ve always wanted to make one of those altoid tin survival kits you’ll love this paracord bracelet. It combines a stylish paracord bracelet with 20 odd additional survival tools. It includes tools like:

• Paracord
• Whistle
• Ferrocerium Rod and Scraper
• Two Pieces of Duct Tape
• Emergency Razor
• Velcro Strap
• Two Safety Pins
• Jute Twine
• Kevlar Cord
• Snare Wire
• Sewing Needle
• Four Ranger Bands
• Mini Fishing Kit
• Mini Screwdriver Tool
• Plastic Tubing

That’s a lot of tools in a very small package. The majority are packed inside the paracord weave in a small plastic tube. This reduces bulk and gives it a stealthy appearance.

The individual tools are really only useful in a wilderness emergency, but that’s common for paracord tools. We really liked the buckle system. It incorporated the ferrocerium rod right in the central buckle point.

All in all a neat survival tool that would probably provide some value in an emergency.

Last Man Ultimate Paracord Survival Kit

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This paracord survival kit from Last Man Survival combines food, fire, and navigation in an attractive bracelet. It contains 16 different tools and survival supplies and is available in several different sizes. These tools are:

• 12’ Paracord
• Mini Fishing Kit
• Ferrocerium Firestarter and Striker
• Dried Tinder
• Two Safety Pins
• Compass

It doesn’t have quite as many tools as some other bracelets on this list but those it has are well made and fully functional. The miniature fishing kit contains hooks, lines, bobbers, sinkers, and everything else needed to build a makeshift fishing rod.

With the ferrocerium rod and included tinder you have the bones of a fire and a way to cook your fresh caught fish. If fishing is an activity you enjoy, check out our list of best fishing multi tools.

We really like the design of its attachment point.

Instead of using a cheap plastic buckle like many paracord bracelets Last Man went with a very cool loop system. The ferrocerium rod loops through striker ring and holds your bracelet securely on.

A great tool all around and available in several different color patterns.

X-Plore Gear Emergency Paracord Bracelet

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Being someone who thrives in the arms of nature, be it hiking, camping, or just a day out in the wild, I’m always on the lookout for gear that can add value to my adventures while not being a burden. The X-Plore Gear Emergency Paracord Bracelet caught my eye, promising a compact set of essential tools for any outdoor enthusiast. The variety of colors and sizes was a pleasant surprise, making it a suitable choice for my niece and nephew who are budding adventurers.

The bracelet arrived, and I was eager to test it out on my weekend hike. The paracord, ferrocerium rod, striker/scraper, and whistle were as functional as they were described. I particularly appreciated the whistle’s loudness – it gave me a sense of security knowing I had a means to signal for help if need be. However, the bracelet had to be disassembled to effectively use the striker and start a fire, which wasn’t a big deal but something to note for future users.

Now, the compass, a critical tool for any hiker, was a bit of a letdown. Despite the manufacturer’s claims, it seemed more ornamental than functional. I had to ensure it was level and away from other metallic items to get a somewhat accurate reading. Still, it wasn’t as reliable as I’d hoped, making me revert to my standalone compass. I echoed the sentiment of many when I say a good compass is indispensable, and the one on this bracelet didn’t measure up.

The ferro rod required some finesse and practice to use efficiently. This is not a gripe, more of a heads-up for those new to using ferro rods. The experience reminded me of the importance of familiarizing oneself with their gear before heading out.

Despite the compass hiccup, the bracelet held up well and became a conversation starter among my hiking group. The economical two-pack was a bargain, allowing me to gift one to my outdoor-loving friend, who found it equally charming albeit with the same compass concern.

On a recent camping trip in the Smokies, the X-Plore Gear Emergency Paracord Bracelet was put to the test. As dusk approached faster than anticipated, I found myself in need of quickly setting up a fire. The sky was overcast, hinting at a chilly night ahead. With the bracelet snug on my wrist, I unraveled it and got to work. The striker and ferro rod sparked up after a few strikes, igniting the tinder I had collected. The satisfaction of watching the flames dance was unparalleled, the warmth slowly seeping through. The whistle too came in handy later that night when we were playing hide and seek in the dark, the sharp sound echoing through the woods, marking the playful end of our little adventure. Though the compass was a downer, the other tools were practical and added a certain ease to my outdoor experience, making the bracelet a part of my regular gear now. It’s not just a tool but a companion that, despite its flaws, holds a promise of adventure and a whisper of the wild.

In conclusion, the X-Plore Gear Emergency Paracord Bracelet is a nifty little gadget for the casual hiker or camper, offering a basic yet useful set of tools. While it may not replace your standalone compass or be the ultimate survival tool, it’s a fun addition to your outdoor gear collection, especially at its price point.

Pros:

• Versatile: Provides a basic set of tools useful in outdoor scenarios.
• Accessible: Available in various colors and sizes, including kid-sized options.
• Loud Whistle: Effective for signaling in case of emergency.
• Economical: The two-pack offer is a good deal for the price.
• Ferro Rod & Striker: Functional for starting a fire, though practice is needed.
• Paracord: Handy for various survival and camping tasks.

Cons:

• Ineffective Compass: Not reliable for navigation, necessitating a separate compass.
• Disassembly Required: Some tools are easier to use when the bracelet is disassembled.
• Practice Necessary: The ferro rod requires prior experience or practice for efficient use.
• Durability Concerns: The plastic buckle could potentially break on impact.
• Size Accuracy: Ensure accurate measurement before ordering to get the right fit.

Diroca Outdoor Paracord Bracelet Survival Gear

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Diroca Outdoor has outdone themselves with this particular product. They chose to go with reflective 550 paracord for the main body of the tool and used a very attractive loop closure system. There are 19 different tools in this bracelet, including:

• 12’ Reflective Paracord
• Emergency Whistle
• Ferrocerium Rod
• Scraper/Knife Blade
• Tinder
• Compass
• Mini Fishing Kit
• Alcohol Pad
• Two Safety Pins

We really like bracelet multi tools that include a fishing kit. If you actually find yourself in a survival scenario fishing is one of the best ways to get quick calories.

This one has everything needed to equip two makeshift poles and start a fire to cook any fish you catch. The paracord itself does a great job as an emergency reflector when you’re out and about.

This one was a bit more expensive than many other options on this list but still an excellent tool.

Gerber Bear Grylls Survival Bracelet

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Bear Grylls is well known in the survival world and his partnership with Gerber has produced many useful products. The Bear Grylls Survival Bracelet gives you a useful length of paracord, a loud whistle, and a copy of Bear Grylls “Priorities of Survival” manual.

While it may have less tools than other bracelets we’ve reviewed the included manual is actually really handy. It gives you helpful hints and guides you to the most likely sources of resources in the wild.

Conclusion

Wearable multi tools are poised to become a much more important sector of the multi tool market. At the moment the Leatherman Tread and its variants are the only major bracelet multi tools on the market but many other manufacturers are working on innovations.

When you add in the many cool paracord bracelets, lanyards, and belts you end up with a category well on it’s way to mainstream success. The best bracelet multi tools really depend on what you see yourself doing.

If you’re looking for an elegant EDC piece for everyday situations check out the Tread and it’s variants. If you’re in that market for something a little less expensive, the many paracord options out there have you covered.